Assemblyman Saladino Holds Home Foreclosure Prevention Seminar

May 14, 2009

Assemblyman Joseph S. Saladino held a Home Foreclosure Prevention Seminar on Thursday evening, May 14, at the Farmingdale Library. The seminar provided free information and strategies for residents struggling with high property taxes and foreclosure.

He also provided a single location for homeowners to meet with not-for-profit and government agencies. They provided these services at no cost. Included at the assemblyman’s event were representatives of the following groups:

“The purpose of the event is to protect the public who are struggling with high interest mortgage payments and increasing property taxes. I have encouraged interested residents to attend this meeting to get assistance from not-for-profit and government agencies. There is free help available to them, and I am working to provide that help so residents do not succumb to profit-driven firms who have been calling the public and charging for their services,” said Assemblyman Saladino.

In 2008, there were 50,032 foreclosures filed in New York state. On Long Island, there has been a 17 percent jump in filings from a year ago and nearly a 29 percent increase in April 2009 compared to March 2009. In Nassau County alone, 537 new foreclosure cases were opened last month, compared to 440 new cases in March 2009 and 398 new cases in April 2008.

Assemblyman Saladino also went on to describe different options available in addition to providing information on experts who will counsel residents at the meeting and in private. He added, “There are combinations of factors that push residents into foreclosure. I am hoping people will work with these counselors and assistance groups before foreclosure ruins their finances and takes their home. Yes, these are tough times, but, together, we will work to avoid the pitfalls of a declining economy and keep alive the American dream of homeownership.”